Publisher's Column

by Dave McCullough

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Premier Clark is once again on a fishing expedition for political support, but no one's biting.

This time, it's not the feds or Americans that have cut Clark loose in his salmon battle, but Canada's other premiers.

Fellow NDPer Roy Romanow, Saskatchewan's premier, and Liberal Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin were the most vocal in criticizing Clark at the premiers' conference this week for his aggressive tactics against the U.S. Even those who supported B.C.'s position distanced themselves from Clark's tactics, particularly his threat to cancel the Nanoose Bay submarine lease to the American navy.

Tobin told reporters Thursday that Clark's stand has divided the country and, in effect, weakened the nation's bargaining position with the Americans. Instead of galvanizing the country through Tobin and his turbot war a couple of years ago, Clark's tough talk has left B.C. adrift on stormy political waters, still without a salmon deal.

Clark's rhetoric is just keeping Americans away from the bargaining table. Salmon agreements have been reached before. It's half-way through the salmon season and about time to get down to the business of hammering out an agreement - before it's too late.

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